I’ve been following college basketball for years, and every so often, a player comes along who sparks a real debate about their NBA potential. Right now, that player is Antoine Davis. When I think about his journey and the numbers he’s put up, I can’t help but wonder—will Antoine Davis make it to the NBA? Let’s break it down.

First off, scoring ability is Davis’s calling card. He’s shown he can light up the scoreboard in a way that reminds me of some undersized guards who’ve carved out roles in the league. But it’s not just about putting up points; it’s about doing it efficiently and in clutch moments. Take, for example, a recent game where a player like Lingolingo almost delivered the win for the Red Warriors. Lingolingo dropped 12 of his 19 points in a third-quarter comeback, adding seven rebounds to his stat line. That kind of performance—scoring in bunches when it matters—is something Davis has mirrored in his college career. If he can consistently show up in high-pressure situations, like scoring 15 points in the final eight minutes of a close game, it’ll definitely catch scouts’ eyes. I’ve seen players with less offensive firepower get drafted purely because they have a knack for timely buckets.

However, the NBA isn’t just about scoring. Defense, playmaking, and overall versatility are huge. Davis has had games where he’s dished out around 5.2 assists per contest, but I’ve noticed he can struggle against bigger, more athletic defenders. In today’s league, guards need to be two-way players. Look at John Abate in that same Red Warriors game—he contributed 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals before fouling out late. Those three steals stand out to me; they show defensive instincts that can translate to the next level. If Davis can improve his steal rate to, say, 1.8 per game and cut down on defensive lapses, his stock would rise. From my perspective, his defense is the biggest question mark. I’ve talked to a few scouts who say he needs to add about 10 pounds of muscle to hold his own, which might take a full offseason of dedicated work.

Then there’s the issue of fit and opportunity. The NBA draft is as much about timing and team needs as it is about talent. Davis might not be a lottery pick, but I could see him going in the second round if he shines in pre-draft workouts. Think about it—teams are always hunting for shooters. If he can maintain a three-point percentage around 38.5% on high volume, that’s a solid selling point. Plus, his experience in big games, like scoring 30-plus points in conference tournaments, gives him an edge. I remember watching him in a matchup where he hit six threes in a half; that kind of explosion is hard to ignore. But let’s be real—the league is stacked with talent. He’ll likely start in the G League, where he’d need to average something like 18 points and 4 assists over 20 games to earn a call-up. In my opinion, his best bet is to land with a team that values development, maybe one with a history of giving minutes to undrafted guys.

Looking at his career path, Davis has the stats to make a case—over 2,500 points in college, which is insane. But stats don’t always tell the whole story. I’ve seen players with gaudy numbers flame out because they couldn’t adapt. For Davis, it’ll come down to proving he can do more than score. If he can replicate all-around efforts like Lingolingo’s 19-point, 7-rebound game or Abate’s well-rounded line, he’ll have a shot. Personally, I’m optimistic but cautious. I’d give him a 65% chance of getting drafted or signing a two-way contract. He’s got the work ethic, from what I’ve heard, and in today’s NBA, shooting and scoring are gold. So, will Antoine Davis make it to the NBA? I think yes, but it might be a grind—and honestly, that’s what makes his story so compelling to follow.